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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    19 Ground Beef Recipes That Might Surprise You

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on May 10, 2025, updated April 3, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Ground beef is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of surprising ways. From classic comfort foods to unique dishes, there are plenty of recipes that showcase its flavor and texture. Here are 19 creative ideas that will inspire you to try something new with ground beef.

    Potato Ground Beef Casserole

    Ground Beef Casserole.
    Photo Credit: The Honour System.

    This ground beef casserole is a family favorite that's sure to please everyone at the table. It features browned beef in a tasty tomato sauce, layered with filling potatoes and finished off with melted cheese.

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    Ground Beef Alfredo

    Ground Beef Alfredo.
    Photo Credit: Mighty Spatula.

    This creamy ground beef alfredo is a classic dinner that's super easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. It's sure to be a hit and will quickly become a regular meal in your home!

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    Spaghetti Pie

    Sliced spaghetti pie on a round pan.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This spaghetti pie combines the classic tastes of spaghetti and meat sauce in a fun, layered way. It's a great option for weeknight dinners, especially if you have leftover spaghetti to use up.

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    Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna

    Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna with wooden spoon.
    Photo Credit: The Recipe Well.

    This lasagna is super simple to make. With layers of ground beef, noodles, sauce, and two kinds of cheese, it’s a quick meal that everyone will enjoy.

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    Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake

    Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake.
    Photo Credit: Much Butter.

    Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake brings together the classic taste of Swedish meatballs and pasta in a warm, baked dish. This is a flavorful meal that the whole family will love.

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    Ground Beef Hotpot

    Ground beef hot pot.
    Photo Credit: Fab Food 4 All.

    This one pan dinner is loaded with root vegetables and peas, bringing a cozy feel to the table. A touch of horseradish sauce adds a nice kick, making it a great choice for family meals.

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    Copycat Taco Bell Chalupa Supreme

    Copycat Taco Bell Chalupa Supreme.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    These chalupas are a tasty twist on the fast food classic, packed with all your favorite taco toppings. With a crispy homemade dough base filled with savory taco meat, cheese, and lettuce, they’re sure to be a hit with the whole family.

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    Slow Cooker Hobo Dinner

    Hobo Dinner in the Slow Cooker.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This recipe lets you prepare a full meal in one go, combining a flavorful meatloaf with perfectly cooked sliced potatoes. It's great for a relaxing weekend meal or for packing up lunch for work.

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    Crockpot Mexican Casserole

    Crockpot Mexican Casserole with Ground Beef.
    Photo Credit" Haute & Healthy Living.

    This crockpot Mexican casserole is packed with all the delicious flavors you love from Mexican cuisine. It's a quick and affordable option for busy weeknights, offering a healthier alternative to takeout.

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    Eggplant Moussaka

    Eggplant Moussaka with Lamb.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Eggplant Moussaka is a hearty dinner packed with vegetables and ground beef, all topped with plenty of cheese. This version skips the potatoes and Bechamel sauce, using more eggplant instead for a tasty and healthy Mediterranean meal that's easy to prepare.

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    Taco Potato Casserole

    Taco Potato Casserole with Ground Beef.
    Photo Credit: The Honour System.

    This dish is a filling and tasty mix of Tex-Mex flavors and comfort food. With layers of seasoned ground beef, diced potatoes, and melted cheese, it’s a great choice for family dinners or gatherings.

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    Slow Cooker Nacho Soup

    Slow Cooker Nacho Soup.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Nacho Soup is a tasty twist on your favorite nachos. It combines ground beef, Rotel, black beans, corn, and taco seasoning, all simmered together in a crock pot for a comforting meal.

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    Mushroom Spaghetti Sauce with Ground Beef

    Mushroom Spaghetti Sauce with Ground Beef.
    Photo Credit: Nourished By Nic.

    This dish offers a healthier take on traditional pasta by using a mushroom spaghetti sauce with ground beef. It's a great way to add more vegetables to your meal, even if you're not a fan of mushrooms.

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    Walking Taco Casserole

    Walking Taco Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Recipes from a Pantry.

    The Walking Taco Casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that combines seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and crunchy Fritos. This is a great option for weeknight dinners or fun get-togethers.

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    Smash Burger Quesadilla

    Smash burger quesadilla.
    Photo Credit: The Candid Cooks.

    This smash burger quesadilla is a delicious and comforting dinner option that you can whip up quickly. It takes less than 20 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for a satisfying meal at home.

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    Cattle Drive Casserole

    Cattle Drive Casserole.
    Photo Credit: 24 Bite.

    This is a filling and tasty layered dish that combines the bold flavors of the Old West with a touch of Tex-Mex. It's perfect for a satisfying meal that brings a bit of adventure to your table.

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    Crock Pot Chili Mac And Cheese

    A bowl of Crock Pot Chili Mac And Cheese.
    Photo Credit: Eat Your Beets.

    This dish combines chili and macaroni in a tasty way, cooked slowly to bring out all the flavors. It's a satisfying meal that's perfect for a cozy night in.

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    Cottage Pie

    Cottage Pie.
    Photo Credit: Our Love Language is Food.

    This dish features a filling of beef and vegetables, all topped with a cheesy mashed potato layer. It’s a quick meal that can be ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy family nights.

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    Meatballs without Breadcrumbs and Eggs

    Meatballs without Breadcrumbs and Eggs
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    These meatballs are packed with flavor and are super easy to make. You can cook them on the stove, in an air fryer, or in the oven, and they’ll be ready in under an hour.

    Get the recipe

    More Recipe Roundups

    • Feta stuffed chicken.
      19 Simple Sunday Night Dinners Your Whole Family Will Love
    • John Wayne casserole.
      24 Dump-And-Cook Ground Beef Recipes That Will Change the Way You Cook
    • Baked ratatouille.
      18 Memorial Day Casseroles That Are a Guaranteed Hit
    • 25 Crowd-Pleasing Recipes Perfect for Your Memorial Day Potluck

    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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    Hi, I'm Emmeline! I love tasty food, but I'm always in a hurry. And I have the quick and easy recipes to prove it!

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